GRAND PORTAGE FERRY FIELD GUIDE
One-way Passage on the Voyageur II: Daisy Farm to Chippewa Harbor
A one-way, 30-minute crossing aboard the purpose-built Voyageur II that follows Isle Royale’s perimeter—this guide focuses on what to expect boarding at Daisy Farm and arriving at Chippewa Harbor.
One-way Passage on the Voyageur II: Daisy Farm to Chippewa Harbor.
Board the Voyageur II, a 65-foot aluminum passenger vessel built for service on the Great Lakes, and trace the edge of Isle Royale National Park as the boat moves around the island. The route offers stops at scenic trailheads and paddling embarkation points and pairs sheltered indoor booth seating with outdoor bow and stern decks for viewing the island’s shoreline and waterlogged forests from multiple vantage points.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Voyageur II — Built for the Lakes
A purpose-built 65' aluminum passenger vessel powered by twin Detroit diesels, the Voyageur II carries both U.S. Mail and passengers around Isle Royale and was designed specifically for Great Lakes conditions.
Perimeter Travel and Trailhead Stops
The boat follows a clockwise circuit around the island, offering passenger drops at several trailheads and paddling embarkation points—an efficient way to reach remote access points along Isle Royale’s shoreline.
Comfortable Seating and Facilities
Voyageur II accommodates up to 46 passengers with booth seating in the cabin, outdoor bow and stern seating, men’s and women’s restrooms, and private crew quarters—practical comforts for short island crossings.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
The short, purposeful passage aboard the Voyageur II feels like a working Great Lakes run: passengers settle into booth seating or step outside onto the bow or stern decks to watch the island pass by. The vessel’s itinerary is designed to serve both mail and visitors, stopping at trailheads and paddling launch points as it moves clockwise around Isle Royale and operating with practical onboard facilities for the brief voyage.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this crossing suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The crossing is a 30-minute one-way trip; schedule your plans around short transit time and the operator’s clockwise route.
All passengers should be on the Daisy Farm dock 45 minutes before departure to complete boarding procedures.
This listing is for a one-way passage—purchase a return trip or have an alternate return plan before purchasing an outbound ticket; online booking windows vary and same-day bookings may require a phone call in an emergency.
Voyageur II offers booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on bow and stern decks, and men’s and women’s restrooms for passenger convenience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the crossing from Daisy Farm to Chippewa Harbor?
The one-way crossing takes 30 minutes aboard the Voyageur II.
Where do I meet for departure?
Departures board at the Daisy Farm boat dock; all passengers should be on the dock 45 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Do I have to buy a return ticket when I purchase an outbound trip?
You must purchase your return trip or have an alternate return plan when purchasing a trip to Isle Royale.
When do online bookings close?
Online bookings for outbound trips close at midnight on the day of departure; online bookings for inbound trips close 24 hours in advance. For same-day emergency bookings, call the operator.
How many passengers can the Voyageur II carry and what amenities are onboard?
Voyageur II has a 46-passenger capacity, booth seating in the cabin, outdoor seating on bow and stern decks, men’s and women’s restrooms, and private crew quarters.